Systems and methods for authenticating electronic transactions

ABSTRACT

The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for authenticating electronic transactions. A system for authenticating electronic transactions may include one or more memory devices storing instructions and one or more processors configured to receive transaction data associated with a transaction and further associated with a customer. The transaction data includes a customer identifier. The one or more processors may be configured to identify a customer account associated with the customer based on the customer identifier, and determine an authentication tier level associated with the transaction. The authentication tier level may reflect one or more levels of authentication required to authorize the transaction. The one or more processors may be configured to receive authentication data associated with a customer, and determine whether the authentication data satisfies the authentication tier level associated with the transaction and authorize the transaction when the authentication data satisfies the authentication tier level.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.61/976,659, filed Apr. 8, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference in the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to systems and methods forauthenticating electronic transactions, and more particularly, tosystems and methods for authenticating electronic transactions throughtiered biometric identification.

BACKGROUND

Consumers often use mobile channels and applications when performingelectronic transactions related to their accounts, such as financialaccounts. Typical mobile applications on a device, such as a smart phoneor tablet, limit the number, type, or value of transactions. Althoughmobile applications exist, certain transactions still require humanintervention. For example, high dollar cash withdrawals, PIN resets,permanent debit card limit increases, and high dollar wires cannot beperformed on mobile applications and must be conducted in person with arepresentative of a financial account provider. Requiring that certaintransactions be conducted in person creates an inconvenience for thecustomer, who would prefer to conduct these transactions without havingto travel to conduct transactions in person.

Current authentication mechanisms vary by channel (mobile, online, inperson), requiring the customer to remember his or her credentials foreach distinct channel. For example, a customer may be required toremember a username and password, social security number, accountnumber, and ATM PIN number, depending on the channel they use to conductfinancial transactions.

Further, some typical authentication procedures are cumbersome andinconvenient for customers. Typically, when a customer authenticatesthemselves to a financial services provider, be it a digital channel orphysical channel, they are required to answer several personalauthentication questions. Often the answers to these questions aredifficult for the customer to remember and take time to answer.

SUMMARY

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments of thepresent disclosure will become evident. It should be understood that thedisclosure, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having oneor more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should also beunderstood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

Certain disclosed embodiments provide improved systems and methods forauthenticating electronic transactions through tiered biometricidentification. For example, certain disclosed embodiments may enablecustomers to conduct a broader range of electronic financialtransactions through mobile channels, such as a mobile application on amobile device. Certain disclosed embodiments may provide services thatare valuable to both consumers and financial service providers. Forexample, aspects of the disclosed embodiments may provide a process forauthenticating and conducting electronic transactions from a mobilechannel. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may also allow a user toeasily and securely conduct electronic transactions through a mobilechannel. Such aspects may help consumers by allowing them to conductfinancial transactions without having to physically visit financialservice provider brick and mortar locations. Moreover, certain aspectsof the disclosed embodiments may allow a financial service provider toattract new customers and encourage current customers to use thefinancial service provider's accounts and services more often.

Other aspects of the disclosed embodiments are set forth below in thisdisclosure. For example, the disclosed embodiments may include a systemfor authorizing an electronic transaction. The system may include, forexample, one or more memory devices storing instructions and one or moreprocessors configured to execute the instructions. The one or moreprocessors may be configured to execute the instructions in order toreceive transaction data associated with a transaction and furtherassociated with a customer. The transaction data may include a customeridentifier. The one or more processors may be configured to identify acustomer account associated with the customer based on the customeridentifier. Additionally, the one or more processors may be configuredto determine an authentication tier level associated with thetransaction. The authentication tier level may reflect one or morelevels of authentication required to authorize the transaction. The oneor more processors may further be configured to receive authenticationdata associated with a customer. The one or more processors may beconfigured to determine whether the authentication data satisfies theauthentication tier level associated with the transaction and authorizethe transaction when the authentication data satisfies theauthentication tier level.

The disclosed embodiments also include a computer-implemented method forauthorizing an electronic transaction. The method may include, forexample, receiving transaction data associated with a transaction andfurther associated with a customer. The transaction data may include acustomer identifier. The method may further include identifying acustomer account associated with the customer based on the customeridentifier. Additionally, the method may include determining anauthentication tier level associated with the transaction. Theauthentication tier level may reflect one or more levels ofauthentication required to approve the transaction. The method may alsoinclude receiving authentication data associated with a customer. Themethod may include determining whether the authentication data satisfiesthe at least one authentication tier and authorizing the transactionwhen the authentication data satisfies the authentication tier level.

In accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure, acomputer-readable medium is disclosed that stores instructions that,when executed by a processor(s), causes the processor(s) to performoperations consistent with one or more disclosed methods.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system, consistent withdisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system, consistentwith disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for authenticating anelectronic transaction, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for authenticating anelectronic transaction in a multi-tiered authentication system,consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for authenticating aparticular tier in a multi-tiered authentication system, consistent withdisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for authenticating anelectronic transaction when customer data is held by a third party,consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary multi-tiered authenticationprocess relating to an ATM withdrawal transaction, consistent withdisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary multi-tiered authenticationprocess relating to a wire transfer transaction, consistent withdisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary multi-tiered authenticationprocess relating to a debit card PIN reset transaction, consistent withdisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary authentication process relatingto a call center transaction, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary authentication process relatingto a branch entrance, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary authentication process relatingto check cashing, consistent with disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary customer enrollment process,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosedherein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary authentication system 100,consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100may include a user device 110, a financial service provider device 120,and a network 140 to facilitate communication among the components ofsystem 100. The components and arrangement of the components included insystem 100 may vary. Thus, system 100 may further include othercomponents that perform or assist in the performance of one or moreprocesses consistent with the disclosed embodiments. The components andarrangements shown in FIG. 1 are not intended to limit the disclosedembodiments, as the components used to implement the disclosed processesand features may vary.

In accordance with disclosed embodiments, system 100 may include afinancial service provider (FSP) device 120. FSP device 120 may be asystem associated with a financial service provider (not shown), such asa bank, a credit card company, a lender, brokerage firm, or any othertype of financial service entity that generates, provides, manages,maintains financial service accounts, etc. for one or more users. FSPdevice 120 may be one or more computing systems that are configured toexecute software instructions stored on one or more memory devices toperform one or more operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments. For example, FSP device 120 may include one or more memorydevice(s) storing data and software instructions and one or moreprocessor(s) configured to use the data and execute the softwareinstructions to perform server-based functions and operations known tothose skilled in the art. FSP device 120 may include one or more generalpurpose computers, specialized computers with hardware and/or softwaremodules configured to perform functions related to disclosed methods,mainframe computers, or any combination of these types of components.

In certain embodiments, FSP device 120 may be configured as a particularapparatus, system, and the like based on the storage, execution, and/orimplementation of the software instructions that perform one or moreoperations consistent with the disclosed embodiments. FSP device 120 maybe standalone, or it may be part of a subsystem, which may be part of alarger system. For example, FSP device 120 may represent distributedservers that are remotely located and communicate over a network (e.g.,network 140) or a dedicated network, such as a LAN, for a financialservice provider. An exemplary computing system consistent with FSPdevice 120 is discussed in additional detail with respect to FIG. 2,below.

FSP device 120 may include or may access one or more storage devicesconfigured to store data and/or software instructions used by one ormore processors of FSP device 120 to perform operations consistent withdisclosed embodiments. For example, FSP device 120 may include memory230 configured to store one or more software programs that performsseveral functions when executed by a processor. The disclosedembodiments are not limited to separate programs or computers configuredto perform dedicated tasks. For example, FSP device 120 may includememory that stores a single program or multiple programs. Additionally,FSP device 120 may execute one or more programs located remotely fromFSP device 120. For example, FSP device 120 may access one or moreremote programs stored in memory included with a remote component that,when executed, perform operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments. In certain aspects, FSP device 120 may include serversoftware that generates, maintains, and provides services associatedwith financial service provider account management. In other aspects,FSP device 120 may connect separate server(s) or similar computingdevices that generate, maintain, and provide services associated withfinancial data for a financial service provider associated with FSPdevice 120.

System 100 may also include one or more biometric databases 130.Biometric database 130 may include one or more memory device(s) thatstore data that may be used for performing one or more processesconsistent with the disclosed embodiment. In certain aspects, biometricdatabase 130 may additionally, or alternatively, include one or moreservers or other type of computer devices. The biometric database 130server(s) may be one or more computing devices configured to executesoftware instructions stored in memory to perform one or more processesconsistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, biometricdatabase 130 may include one or more memory device(s) storing data andsoftware instructions and one or more processor(s) configured to use thedata and execute the software instructions to perform server-basedfunctions and operations known to those skilled in the art.

Biometric database 130 may further include server(s) that are configuredto execute stored software instructions to perform operations associatedwith collecting, storing, and accessing biometric data, including one ormore processes associated with gathering biometric data from a varietyof sources, compiling the data, and organizing the data into easilyaccessible profiles. Biometric database 130 may include one or moreservers that may be a general purpose computer, a mainframe computer, orany combination of these components. In certain embodiments, biometricdatabase 130 (or a system including biometric database 130) may beconfigured as a particular apparatus, system, and the like based on thestorage, execution, and/or implementation of the software instructionsthat perform one or more operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments. A biometric database 130 may be standalone, or it may bepart of a subsystem, which may be part of a larger system. For example,biometric database 130 may represent distributed servers that areremotely located and communicate over a network (e.g., network 140) or adedicated network, such as a LAN. An exemplary computer systemconsistent with biometric database 130 is discussed in additional detailwith respect to FIG. 2.

In certain embodiments, biometric database 130 may be associated with anentity, such as a company, organization, agency, etc. In one embodiment,the biometric database entity may be a different entity than a financialservice provider associated with FSP device 120. In certain aspects, auser or user(s) affiliated with a biometric database entity may operateone or more components associated with biometric database 130 to collectand maintain biometric data. In other embodiments, biometric database130 may be associated with a financial service provider or other entityassociated with FSP device 120. For example, biometric database 130 maybe a part or subpart of FSP device 120.

System 100 may further include one or more user devices 110. A user mayoperate a user device 110, which may be a desktop computer, laptop,tablet, smartphone, multifunctional watch, pair of multifunctionalglasses, tracking device, or any suitable device with computingcapability. User device 110 may include one or more processor(s) andmemory device(s) known to those skilled in the art. For example, userdevice 110 may include memory device(s) that store data and softwareinstructions that, when executed by one or more processor(s), performoperations consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In one aspect,user device 110 may have a financial application installed thereon,which may enable user device 110 to communicate with FSP device 120 vianetwork 140. For instance, user device 110 may be a smartphone or tablet(or the like) that executes a stored mobile app that performs onlinebanking operations. In other embodiments, user device 110 may connect toFSP device 120 through use of browser software stored and executed byuser device 110. User device 110 may be configured to execute softwareinstructions that allow a user to access information stored in FSPdevice 120, such as, for example, financial information related torecent purchase transactions, financial discounts, financial statements,account information, rewards program information and the like.Additionally, user device 110 may be configured to execute softwareinstructions that initiate and conduct transactions with FSP device 120,such as, for example, ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, debit card PINresets, and call center transactions. An exemplary computer systemconsistent with user device 110 is discussed in additional detail withrespect to FIG. 2.

A user may operate user device 110 to perform one or more operationsconsistent with the disclosed embodiments. In one aspect, a user may bea customer of financial service provider. For instance, a financialservice provider may maintain a financial service account (e.g.,checking account, savings account, debit card account, or credit cardaccount) for the user that the user may use to purchase goods and/orservices. Additionally or alternatively, the user may use user device110 and the financial service account (for example, through a mobileapplication installed on user device 110) to withdraw cash from an ATM,contact a customer call center, transfer or wire money, or reset theirdebit account PIN.

Network 140 may comprise any type of computer networking arrangementused to exchange data. For example, network 140 may be the Internet, aprivate data network, a virtual private network using a public network,a WiFi network, a LAN or WAN network, and/or other suitable connectionsthat may enable information exchange among various components of thediscount system 100. Network 140 may also include a public switchedtelephone network (“PSTN”) and/or a wireless cellular network. Network140 may be a secured network or unsecured network. In other embodiments,one or more components of system 100 may communicate directly through adedicated communication link(s), such as links between user device 110,financial service provider device 120, and biometric database 130. Othercomponents known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be included inauthentication system 100 to process, transmit, provide, and receiveinformation consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In addition,although not shown in FIG. 1, components of system 100 may communicatewith each other through direct communications, rather than throughnetwork 140. Direct communications may use any suitable technologies,including, for example, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth LE™, WiFi, near fieldcommunications (NFC), or other suitable communication methods thatprovide a medium for transmitting data between separate devices.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary computing system 200 illustratinga computing system configuration that may be associated with financialservice provider device 120, biometric database 130, and/or user device110, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment, computingsystem 200 may have one or more processors 210, one or more memories230, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices 220. In someembodiments, computing system 200 may take the form of a server, generalpurpose computer, a mainframe computer, laptop, smartphone, mobiledevice, or any combination of these components. In certain embodiments,computing system 200 (or a system including computing system 200) may beconfigured as a particular apparatus, system, and the like based on thestorage, execution, and/or implementation of the software instructionsthat perform one or more operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments. Computing system 200 may be standalone, or it may be partof a subsystem, which may be part of a larger system.

Processor 210 may include one or more known processing devices, such asa microprocessor from the Pentium™ or Xeon™ family manufactured byIntel™, the Turion™ family manufactured by AMD™, or any of variousprocessors manufactured by Sun Microsystems. Processor 210 mayconstitute a single core or multiple core processor that executesparallel processes simultaneously. For example, processor 210 may be asingle core processor configured with virtual processing technologies.In certain embodiments, processor 210 may use logical processors tosimultaneously execute and control multiple processes. Processor 210 mayimplement virtual machine technologies, or other known technologies toprovide the ability to execute, control, run, manipulate, store, etc.multiple software processes, applications, programs, etc. In anotherembodiment, processor 210 may include a multiple-core processorarrangement (e.g., dual, quad core, etc.) configured to provide parallelprocessing functionalities to allow computing system 200 to executemultiple processes simultaneously. One of ordinary skill in the artwould understand that other types of processor arrangements could beimplemented that provide for the capabilities disclosed herein. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processor(s)configured in computing system 200.

Memory 230 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinstructions used by processor 210 to perform functions related to thedisclosed embodiments. For example, memory 230 may be configured withone or more software instructions, such as program(s) 236 that mayperform one or more operations when executed by processor 210. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or computersconfigured to perform dedicated tasks. For example, memory 230 mayinclude a program 236 that performs the functions of computing system200, or program 236 could comprise multiple programs. Additionally,processor 210 may execute one or more programs located remotely fromcomputing system 200. For example, financial service provider device120, biometric database 130, or user device 110, may, via computingsystem 200 (or variants thereof), access one or more remote programsthat, when executed, perform functions related to certain disclosedembodiments. Processor 210 may further execute one or more programslocated in database 240. In some embodiments, programs 236 may be storedin an external storage device, such as a cloud server located outside ofcomputing system 200, and processor 210 may execute programs 236remotely.

Programs executed by processor 210 may cause processor 210 to executeone or more processes related to financial services provided to usersincluding, but not limited to, processing credit and debit cardtransactions, checking transactions, fund deposits and withdrawals,transferring money between financial accounts, lending loans, processingpayments for credit card and loan accounts, and processing ATM cashwithdrawals.

Memory 230 may also store data that may reflect any type of informationin any format that the system may use to perform operations consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. Memory 230 may store instructions toenable processor 210 to execute one or more applications, such as serverapplications, an authentication application, network communicationprocesses, and any other type of application or software. Alternatively,the instructions, application programs, etc., may be stored in anexternal storage (not shown) in communication with computing system 200via network 140 or any other suitable network. Memory 230 may be avolatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical,removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible(i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium.

Memory 230 may include transaction data 232. Transaction data 232 mayinclude information related to electronic transactions initiated by auser. For example, transaction data may include a user identifier and atransaction type. The user identifier may be a credit or debit cardnumber, and account number, or another means for identifying the userinitiating the financial transaction. The transaction type may includean indicator of the type of transaction the user is initiating, such as,ATM cash withdrawal, debit PIN reset, money wire or transfer, call tothe customer service center, or other transactions requiring userauthentication. Transaction data 232 may also include biometric dataobtained from the user for the purposes of authorizing the transactionby verifying the authenticity of the provided biometric data as comparedto stored biometric data. Additionally or alternatively, transactiondata 232 may be stored in database 240 or in an external storage (notshown) in communication with computing system 200 via network 140 or anyother suitable network.

Memory 230 may further include customer data 234. Customer data 234 mayinclude information about particular customers of the financial serviceprovider. For example, customer data 234 may include customers' accountinformation, debit or credit card information, history of purchasetransactions, financial statements, credit score, risk profile, usernameand password, debit card PIN, home and work locations, and/or biometricinformation. Additionally, customer data 234 may include biometric dataabout a particular customer, such as, for example, fingerprintinformation, facial recognition information, retinal or iris scaninformation, voice recognition information. In some embodiments,biometric database 130 may further provide biometric data to FSP device120, or may permit FSP device 120 to access biometric data stored inbiometric database 130 for purposes of confirming an authorizationtransaction. Biometric database 130 may provide this information to FSPdevice 120 via network 140. Alternatively, FSP device 120 may access thebiometric data stored in biometric database 130 via network 140.Alternatively customer data 234 may be stored in database 240 or in anexternal storage (not shown) in communication with computing system 200via network 140 or any other suitable network.

Processor 210 may analyze transaction data 232 in reference to customerdata 234. For example, processor 210 may analyze transaction data todetermine which customer with information stored in customer data 234 isinitiating the financial transaction. Processor 210 may access theparticular user's customer information 234 to determine their accountinformation, debit or credit card information, history of purchasetransactions, financial statements, credit score, risk profile, usernameand password, debit card PIN, home and work locations, and/or biometricdata.

I/O devices 220 may be one or more device that is configured to allowdata to be received and/or transmitted by computing system 200. I/Odevices 220 may include one or more digital and/or analog communicationdevices that allow computing system 200 to communicate with othermachines and devices, such as other components of system 100 shown inFIG. 1. For example, computing system 200 may include interfacecomponents, which may provide interfaces to one or more input devices,such as one or more keyboards, mouse devices, and the like, which mayenable computing system 200 to receive input from an operator of FSPdevice 120 (not shown).

Computing system 200 may also contain one or more database(s) 240.Alternatively, computing system 200 may be communicatively connected toone or more database(s) 240. Computing system 200 may be communicativelyconnected to database(s) 240 through network 140. Database 240 mayinclude one or more memory devices that store information and areaccessed and/or managed through computing system 200. By way of example,database(s) 240 may include Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, orother relational databases or non-relational databases, such as Hadoopsequence files, HBase, or Cassandra. The databases or other files mayinclude, for example, data and information related to the source anddestination of a network request, the data contained in the request,etc. Systems and methods of disclosed embodiments, however, are notlimited to separate databases. Database 240 may include computingcomponents (e.g., database management system, database server, etc.)configured to receive and process requests for data stored in memorydevices of database(s) 240 and to provide data from database 240.

As discussed above, FSP device 120 may include at least one computingsystem 200. Further, although sometimes discussed here in relation toFSP 200, it should be understood that variations of computing system 200may be used by other components of system 100, including FSP device 120and user device 110. Computing system 200 may be a single server or maybe configured as a distributed computer system including multipleservers or computers that interoperate to perform one or more of theprocesses and functionalities associated with the disclosed embodiments.

In some aspects, biometric database 130 and/or user device 110 mayinclude the same or similar configuration and/or components of computingsystem 200. For example, computing system 200 when implemented inbiometric database 130 may include hardware and/or software installedtherein for performing one or more processes disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary financial authorization process, consistentwith disclosed embodiments. Process 300 may be performed by processor210 of, for example, FSP device 120 executing instructions encoded on acomputer-readable medium storage device. It is to be understood,however, that one or more steps of process 300 may be implemented byother components of system 100 (shown or not shown), including biometricdatabase 130 and/or user device 110. At step 310, FSP device 120 mayreceive transaction data. In one aspect, FSP device 120 may receivetransaction data from user device 110. As an example, user device 110execute a mobile application associated with the financial serviceprovider associated with FSP device 120 that transmits transaction datavia network 140 to FSP device 120. Transaction data may be entered andtransmitted manually per transaction by a user into user device 110, forexample by typing it on a keyboard or other input device (not shown).Transaction data may also be entered and transmitted automatically, forexample, by a mobile application on user device 110.

Transaction data may include a type of transaction and a customeridentifier. A type of transaction may include, for example, an ATMwithdrawal, a money transfer or wire, a debit card PIN reset, or a callcenter transaction. If the type of transaction is, for example, an ATMwithdrawal or a money transfer or wire, transaction data may furtherinclude an amount. In certain embodiments, transaction data may beinclude other data relating to transactions that is known to thoseskilled in the art, such as transaction amount, timestamp information,entity identifier, account identifier(s), etc.

At step 320, FSP device 120 may identify a customer account associatedwith the transaction data. FSP device 120 may identify the customeraccount, for example, based upon the customer identifier that may beincluded in the received transaction data. The associated customeraccount may be any type of financial account, such as, for example, adebit account, checking account, savings account, or credit cardaccount.

At step 330, FSP device 120 may determine an identification tier levelassociated with the transaction. Each transaction may be associated witha tier level. Additionally, each user may have a different tier levelassociated with each transaction. The tier level may indicate how manydata security points must be verified before FSP device 120 mayauthorize the requested transaction. Security data points may include,for example, a username and password, a GPS location, and a phone numberor device identifier. Security data points may additionally includebiometric data, such as, for example, fingerprint, retina or iris scan,facial recognition, voice recognition, palm vein scan, or heartbeat orpulse pattern. Each data security point may correspond to a differenttier. For example, biometric data may relate to a higher tier (moresecure) than a username and password (less secure).

At step 340, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data. In oneembodiment, FSP device 120 may prompt the user to enter authorizationdata through user device 110. The authentication data requested by FSPdevice 120 may correspond to the authorization tier level. For example,if the requested transaction required an authentication tier level two,the user may be prompted first to enter, for example, a user name andpassword to satisfy tier one. Then, the user may be prompted to enter,for example, biometric data such as a finger print scan, vocalrecording, retina or iris scan, facial scan or palm scan.

The user may provide authentication data via user device 110, and FSPdevice 120 may receive the authentication data (step 340). The form ofauthentication data provided by the user may be dependent on the type ofuser device 110 the user is using. For example, certain user devices mayhave a fingerprint scanner, but not a retina scanner. FSP device 120 maydetect the capabilities of user device 110 when prompting the user toenter authentication data. Alternatively, FSP device 120 may prompt theuser with a plurality of choices of authentication data the user maychoose to enter, and the user may then select the option thatcorresponds with the capabilities of his or her particular user device110.

At step 350, FSP device 120 may determine if the received authenticationdata satisfies the determined authentication tier. For example, if theauthentication tier level for a particular transaction is 2, a user mayfirst be prompted for a username and password; however, this data willnot satisfy the required authentication tier. FSP device 120 may beconfigured to execute software that generates a prompt to (or causes aprompt to be generated to) the user for additional authentication data.In certain aspects, the disclosed embodiments may iteratively, promptthe user for additional authentication data until the requiredauthentication tier is satisfied or a threshold is met to deny thetransaction. For example, once the received authentication data issatisfied (step 350—yes), FSP device 120 may authorize the requestedtransaction (step 360). If however, the received transaction does notsatisfy the required authentication tier, for example, because thebiometric data does not match, the username and password are incorrect,the user is attempting to access his account through an unknown mobiledevice, etc. (step 350—no), FSP device 120 may deny the transaction(step 370). In certain aspects, FSP device 120 may be configured togenerate and provide a message to user device 110 (or some other device)reflecting the results of the authentication operation (e.g.,authentication denied and/or transaction denied; authentication acceptedand/or transaction authorized).

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary multi-tiered authentication process 400,consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process 400 may be performed byprocessor 210 of, for example, FSP device 120 executing instructionsencoded on a computer-readable medium storage device. It is to beunderstood, however, that one or more steps of process 400 may beimplemented by other components of system 100 (shown or now shown),including biometric database 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 405, as also discussed with reference to FIG. 3, FSP device 120may determine an authentication tier level for a particular transaction.Each transaction may be associated with a tier level. Additionally,different users associated with different user device(s) 110 may have adifferent tier level associated with each transaction. In certainaspects, different users may be customer(s) or potential customers ofthe financial service provider associated with FSP device 120. The tierlevel may indicate how many data security points must be verified beforeFSP device 120 may authorize the requested transaction. Security datapoints may include, for example, a username and password, a GPSlocation, and a phone number or device identifier. Security data pointsmay additionally include biometric data, such as, for example,fingerprint, retina or iris scan, facial recognition, voice recognition,palm vein scan, or heartbeat or pulse pattern. Each data security pointmay correspond to a different tier. For example, biometric data mayrelate to a higher tier (more secure) than a username and password (lesssecure).

Assuming the authentication tier level determined in step 405 is greaterthan one, FSP device 120 may prompt the user to provide authenticationdata sufficient to satisfy the first authentication tier (step 410). FSPdevice 120 may then receive authentication data (step 415). FSP device120 may receive authentication data from, for example, user device 110.Authentication data may be entered manually by the user (e.g., usernameand password) or may be automatically transmitted to FSP device 120 byuser device 110 (e.g., GPS data, phone or device identifier, etc.).

FSP device 120 may then determine if the authentication data receivedsatisfies the first authentication tier (step 420). FSP device 120 maydetermine if the authentication data satisfies the first tier bycomparing the received authentication data with the stored customerinformation 234. Customer information 234 may be stored, for example, inmemory 230 or database 240. Customer information 234 may additionally oralternatively be stored in biometric database 130. Biometric database130 may be operated by the financial service provider. Alternatively,biometric database 130 may be operated and maintained by an independentthird party or government entity. If the authentication data does notsatisfy tier one (step 420—no), for example because the incorrectinformation was entered and there is not a match between theauthentication data and the stored customer data, FSP device 120 maydeny the transaction (step 425). If the authentication data satisfiestier one (step 420—yes), FSP device 120 may indicate that the first tierof authentication has been satisfied and then move on to the next tier.

At step 430, FSP device 120 again may prompt the user to provideauthentication data. This time, the prompted authentication data mayrespond to the second tier. For example, second tier authentication datamay indicate a higher level of security. For example, second tierauthentication data may include GPS location, phone or deviceidentification information, or user biometric data. If the requestedsecond tier authentication data is related to user device 110 (e.g., GPSlocation or device identification information), the request forauthentication data, as well as the responsive transmission of therequested data, may occur automatically and transparent to the user.

Similar to that discussed above in connection with a tier one operation,at step 435, FSP device 120 may receive the authentication data, andthen at step 440, FSP device 120 may determine if the receivedauthentication data satisfies the second tier. If the authenticationdata does not satisfy the tier (step 440—no), for example becauseincorrect information was received, FSP device 120 may deny thetransaction (step 445). Alternatively, if the received authenticationdata satisfies the tier (step 440—yes), FSP device 120 may thendetermine if there are additional authentication tiers that need to besatisfied before the particular transaction can be authorized (step450). If there are no additional tiers (step 450—no), then FSP devicemay authorize the transaction. If, however, there are additionalauthentication tiers for the particular transaction (step 450—yes), FSPdevice repeats the process beginning with step 430 again, and continuesto do so until all authorization tiers are satisfied. In certainaspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate and provide amessage to user device 110 (or some other device) reflecting the resultsof the authentication operation(s) (e.g., authentication denied and/ortransaction denied; authentication accepted and/or transactionauthorized).

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary authentication process 500, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. Process 500 may be performed by processor 210 of,for example, FSP device 120 executing instructions encoded on acomputer-readable medium storage device. It is to be understood,however, that one or more steps of process 500 may be implemented byother components of system 100 (shown or not shown), including biometricdatabase 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 510, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed previously with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. At step 520, FSPdevice 120 may access customer identification data. Customeridentification data may be stored, for example, in memory 230 ordatabase 240 of FSP device 120. Additionally or alternatively, customeridentification data may be stored in biometric database 130. Customeridentification data may include any stored data related to a customerthat may correspond to the authentication data requested of a customerin order to validate the customer's identity for authenticationpurposes. For example, customer data may include a username andpassword, a known GPS location (e.g., the customer's home or worklocation), a device identifier (e.g., phone number, device serialnumber, IP address, etc.). Customer data may further include biometricdata, such as, for example, fingerprints, retina and/or iris scans, palmvein scan, facial image, heartbeat or pulse pattern, or voice recording.

At step 530, FSP device 120 may compare the received authentication datato determine if it matches the stored customer identification data. Ifthe received authentication data does not match the customeridentification data (step 540—no), FSP device 120 may deny thetransaction (step 550). In certain aspects, FSP device 120 may beconfigured to generate and provide a message to user device 110 (or someother device) that the transaction was denied. If the receivedauthentication data matches the corresponding customer data (step540—yes), FSP device 120 may indicate that the authentication tier issatisfied (step 560). For example, FSP device 120 may be configured toexecute software that generates information used to provide anindication reflecting the status of the authentication analysis, whethera transaction is authorized, etc. For example, in one embodiment, FSPdevice 120 may be configured to provide information to user device 110that device 110 may use to generate and provide a message in aninterface presented in a display device of user device 110. Forinstance, user device 110 may be configured, based on informationprovided by FSP device 120 to display a message on a display device thatthe authentication tier is satisfied or that a transaction has beenauthorized. Additionally or alternatively, FSP device 120 may internallyindicate that the tier is satisfied, transparent to the user, by eitherprompting the user for authentication data relating to the nextauthentication tier, or if the final tier is satisfied, by authorizingthe transaction. If the satisfied authentication tier corresponds to thedetermined authentication tier level required for the transaction, FSPdevice may authorize the transaction.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary authentication process implemented when, forexample, the customer identification data is stored on a remotebiometric database 130, consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process600 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSP device 120executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium storagedevice. It is to be understood, however, that one or more steps ofprocess 600 may be implemented by other components of system 100 (shownor not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 610, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. At step 620, FSPdevice 120 may request corresponding customer identification data frombiometric database 130. Requesting customer identification data mayinclude, for example, requesting access to biometric database 130.Additionally or alternatively, requesting customer identification datamay include, for example, requesting biometric database 130 transmit thenecessary information to FSP device 120, for example, via network 140.Additionally or alternatively, requesting customer identification datamay include FSP device 120 transmitting the received authentication datato biometric database 130, and allowing biometric database 130 toconduct the validation and authentication. At step 630, FSP device 120may receive customer identification data from biometric database 130.

At step 640, FSP device 120 may compare the received authentication datawith the corresponding customer identification data received or accessedin step 630. Additionally or alternatively, step 640 may be performed bybiometric database 130. Based on the comparison, FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data (step 650).If the received authentication data does not match the stored customeridentification data (step 650—no), FSP device 120 may deny thetransaction (step 660). In certain aspects, FSP device 120 may beconfigured to generate and provide a message to user device 110 (or someother device) that the transaction was denied. If the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data (step650—yes), FSP device 120 may then then indicate that the authenticationtier is satisfied (step 670). For example, FSP device 120 may beconfigured to execute software that generates information used toprovide an indication reflecting the status of the authenticationanalysis, whether a transaction is authorized, etc. For example, in oneembodiment, FSP device 120 may be configured to provide information touser device 110 that device 110 may use to generate and provide amessage in an interface presented in a display device of user device110. For instance, user device 110 may be configured, based oninformation provided by FSP device to display a message to the user thatthe authentication tier is satisfied or notifying the user that thetransaction has been authorized. Additionally or alternatively, FSPdevice 120 may internally indicate that the tier is satisfied,transparent to the user, by either prompting the user for authenticationdata relating to the next authentication tier, or if the final tier issatisfied, by authorizing the transaction. If the satisfiedauthentication tier corresponds to the determined authentication tierlevel required for the transaction, FSP device may authorize thetransaction.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary authentication process 700, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, relating to an ATM withdrawal transaction.Process 700 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSPdevice 120 executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable mediumstorage device. It is to be understood, however, that one or more stepsof process 700 may be implemented by other components of system 100(shown or not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or userdevice 110.

At step 710, FSP device 120 may receive transaction data related to anATM cash withdrawal. For example, a user may indicate through a mobileapplication installed on user device 110 that he or she wishes to makean ATM withdrawal. At step 720, FSP device 120 may then identify acustomer account associated with the transaction. FSP device 120 mayidentify the customer account by locating the matching customer accountbased on the transaction data. Additionally or alternatively, the mobileapplication on user device 110 the customer may be using to initiate thetransaction may require the user to log into a user account. If the useris logged into a user account on the mobile application, user device 110may then automatically transmit the necessary information to FSP device120 in order for FSP device to identify the corresponding customeraccount.

FSP device may then determine the withdrawal amount (step 730). Thewithdrawal amount may be automatically transmitted to FSP device 120 byuser device 110 when the user initiates the ATM withdrawal transaction.Additionally or alternatively, the withdrawal amount may be included inthe transaction data received by FSP device at step 710. Based on thecustomer account and the withdrawal amount, FSP device 120 may thendetermine an authentication tier level for the transaction (step 740).For example, the higher the withdrawal amount, the higher theauthentication tier level may be in order to have the withdrawaltransaction authorized. Additionally or alternatively, theauthentication tier may be determined by a rules engine that may be apart of the FSP device 120 or may be a stand-alone server or computer,such as that described with respect to FIG. 2, that is communicativelyconnected with FSP device 120 and/or user device 110. In certainembodiments, the authentication tier may be determined by user device110. For example, user device 110 may be running an application that maydetermine the authentication tier related to different transactionsbased on, for example, preprogrammed algorithms or instructions receivedfrom FSP device 120.

At step 750, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may then determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 760). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data does not match the stored customer identificationdata, and therefore does not satisfy the authentication tier, (step760—no), FSP device 120 may deny the transaction (step 770). In certainaspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate and provide amessage to user device 110 (or some other device) that the transactionwas denied. If the received authentication data matches the customeridentification data (step 760—yes), FSP device 120 may then thenindicate that the authentication tier is satisfied. For example, FSPdevice 120 may be configured to execute software that generatesinformation used to provide an indication reflecting the status of theauthentication analysis, whether a transaction is authorized, etc. Forexample, in one embodiment, FSP device 120 may be configured to provideinformation to user device 110 that device 110 may use to generate andprovide a message in an interface presented in a display device of userdevice 110. For instance, user device 110 may be configured, based oninformation provided by FSP device to display a message to the user thatthe authentication tier is satisfied or notifying the user that thetransaction has been authorized. Additionally or alternatively, FSPdevice 120 may internally indicate that the tier is satisfied,transparent to the user, by either prompting the user for authenticationdata relating to the next authentication tier, or if the final tier issatisfied, by authorizing the transaction. If the satisfiedauthentication tier corresponds to the determined authentication tierlevel required for the transaction, FSP device 120 may authorize thetransaction and allow the withdrawal (step 780).

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary authentication process 800, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, relating to a wire transfer transaction. Process800 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSP device 120executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium storagedevice. It is to be understood, however, that one or more steps ofprocess 800 may be implemented by other components of system 100 (shownor not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 810, FSP device 120 may receive transaction data related to wiretransfer. For example, a user may indicate through a mobile applicationinstalled on user device 110 that he or she wishes to make a wiretransfer. At step 820, FSP device 120 may then identify a customeraccount associated with the transaction. FSP device 120 may identify thecustomer account by locating the matching customer account based on thetransaction data. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile applicationon user device 110 the customer may be using to initiate the transactionmay require the user to log into a user account. If the user is loggedinto a user account on the mobile application, user device 110 may thenautomatically transmit the necessary information to FSP device 120 inorder for FSP device 120 to identify the corresponding customer account.

FSP device 120 may then determine the wire amount (step 830). Thewithdrawal amount may be automatically transmitted to FSP device by userdevice 110 when the user initiates the wire transfer transaction.Additionally or alternatively, the withdrawal amount may be included inthe transaction data received by FSP device 120 at step 810. Based onthe customer account and the wire amount, FSP device 120 may thendetermine an authentication tier level for the transaction (step 840).For example, the higher the withdrawal amount, the higher theauthentication tier level may be in order to have the wire transactionauthorized (step 880).

At step 850, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may then determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 860). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data does not match the stored customer identificationdata, and therefore does not satisfy the authentication tier, (step860—no), FSP device 120 may deny the wire transaction (step 870). Incertain aspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate andprovide a message to user device 110 (or some other device) that thetransaction was denied. If the received authentication data matches thecustomer identification data (step 860—yes), FSP device 120 may thenthen indicate that the authentication tier is satisfied. For example,FSP device 120 may be configured to execute software that generatesinformation used to provide an indication reflecting the status of theauthentication analysis, whether a transaction is authorized, etc. Forexample, in one embodiment, FSP device 120 may be configured to provideinformation to user device 110 that device 110 may use to generate andprovide a message in an interface presented in a display device of userdevice 110. For instance, user device 110 may be configured, based oninformation provided by FSP device 120 to display a message to the userthat the authentication tier is satisfied or notifying the user that thetransaction has been authorized. Additionally or alternatively, FSPdevice 120 may internally indicate that the tier is satisfied,transparent to the user, by either prompting the user for authenticationdata relating to the next authentication tier, or if the final tier issatisfied, by authorizing the transaction. If the satisfiedauthentication tier corresponds to the determined authentication tierlevel required for the transaction, FSP device 120 may authorize thewire transaction and allow the withdrawal (step 880).

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary authentication process 900, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, relating to a debit card PIN reset transaction.Process 900 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSPdevice 120 executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable mediumstorage device. It is to be understood, however, that one or more stepsof process 900 may be implemented by other components of system 100(shown or not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or userdevice 110.

At step 910, FSP device 120 may receive transaction data related to adebit card PIN (or other credential information) reset. For example, auser may indicate through a mobile application installed on user device110 that he or she wishes to reset his or her debit card PIN number (orother credential information). At step 920, FSP device 120 may thenidentify a customer account associated with the transaction. FSP device120 may identify the customer account by locating the matching customeraccount based on the transaction data. Additionally or alternatively,the mobile application on user device 110 that is used to initiate thetransaction may require the user to log into a user account. If the useris logged into a user account on the mobile application, user device 110may then automatically transmit the necessary information to FSP device120 in order for FSP device 120 to identify the corresponding customeraccount.

FSP device 120 may then determine an authentication tier level for thedebit card PIN reset (step 930). For example, if a user has reset his orher PIN multiple times in the recent past, for security purposes, ahigher tier may be required to reset the PIN number an additional time.

At step 940, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may then determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 950). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data does not match the stored customer identificationdata, and therefore does not satisfy the authentication tier, (step950—no), FSP device 120 may deny the transaction (step 960). In certainaspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate and provide amessage to user device 110 (or some other device) that the transactionwas denied. If the received authentication data matches the customeridentification data (step 950—yes), FSP device 120 may then thenindicate that the authentication tier is satisfied. For example, FSPdevice 120 may be configured to execute software that generatesinformation used to provide an indication reflecting the status of theauthentication analysis, whether a transaction is authorized, etc. Forexample, in one embodiment, FSP device 120 may be configured to provideinformation to user device 110 that user device 110 may use to generateand provide a message in an interface presented in a display device ofuser device 110. For instance, user device 110 may be configured, basedon information provided by FSP device to display a message to the userthat the authentication tier is satisfied or notifying the user that thetransaction has been authorized. Additionally or alternatively, FSPdevice 120 may internally indicate that the tier is satisfied,transparent to the user, by either prompting the user for authenticationdata relating to the next authentication tier, or if the final tier issatisfied, by authorizing the transaction. If the satisfiedauthentication tier corresponds to the determined authentication tierlevel required for the transaction, FSP device 120 may authorize the PINrest (step 970). One the PIN has been reset, FSP device 120 may thennotify the user that that PIN has been reset (step 980). The user may benotified, for example, through a text message, email, or message withinthe mobile application used to reset the PIN.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary authentication process 1000, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, as implemented in a call center transaction.Process 1000 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSPdevice 120 executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable mediumstorage device. It is to be understood, however, that one or more stepsof process 1000 may be implemented by other components of system 100(shown or not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or userdevice 110.

At step 1010, FSP device 120 may receive transaction data related to acall center transaction. For example, a user may indicate through amobile application installed on user device 110 that he or she wishes tomake call to the customer service department of the financial serviceprovider. For example, the user may have questions about his or heraccount or may require assistance using the mobile application. Userdevice 110 may be configured to execute software instructions thatprovide interface(s) that enable the user to inquire customer service ofthe financial service provider. Process 1000 allows forpre-authorization of a caller, enabling them to avoid time consuming andhassling questions once their call is connected to an agent.

At step 1020, FSP device 120 may then identify a customer accountassociated with the transaction. FSP device 120 may identify thecustomer account by locating the matching customer account based on thetransaction data. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile applicationon user device 110 the customer may be using to initiate the transactionmay require the user to log into a user account. If the user is loggedinto a user account on the mobile application, user device 110 may thenautomatically transmit the necessary information to FSP device 120 inorder for FSP device 120 to identify the corresponding customer account.

In certain embodiments, FSP device 120 may also determine the reason theuser is requesting the call center transaction. A user may indicate viauser device 110 the reason for the call center request. For example, amobile application running on user device 110 may present the user witha menu of options to select from. User device 110 may execute softwarethat collects input through an input device of user device 110 andstores the input information (e.g., data reflecting the user's optionselection, free-form text representations of a reason for the callcenter transaction request, etc.) in memory. User device 110 maytransmit the data relating to the reason for the call to FSP device 120.FSP device 120 may be configured to receive, store, and/or process thereason data to determine one or more reasons the user is making a callcenter request. For example FSP device 120 may execute software thatanalyzes the data to determine the reason the user is calling. Forexample, a user may have a simple question about the mobileapplications, or the user may wish to reset his or her debit card PINnumber (or other credential data), authorize a withdrawal or transfer,etc. Based on the reason for the transaction, FSP device 120 may thendetermine an authentication tier level for the transaction (step 1030).For example, a call center request relating to a user's financialaccount may require a higher tier of authorization.

At step 1040, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may then determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 1050). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data does not match the stored customer identificationdata, and therefore does not satisfy the authentication tier, (step1050—no), FSP device 120 may deny pre-authorization (step 1060). Incertain aspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate andprovide a message to user device 110 (or some other device) that thepre-authorization was denied. If the received authentication datamatches the customer identification data (step 1050—yes), FSP device 120may then then indicate that the authentication tier is satisfied. If thesatisfied authentication tier corresponds to the determinedauthentication tier level required for the transaction, FSP device 120may then authorize the user's pre-authentication (step 1070).

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary authentication process 1100, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, as implemented in a transaction initiated inperson in a branch. Process 1100 may be performed by processor 210 of,for example, FSP device 120 executing instructions encoded on acomputer-readable medium storage device. It is to be understood,however, that one or more steps of process 1100 may be implemented byother components of system 100 (shown or not shown), including biometricdatabase 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 1110, FSP device 120 may receive customer data when a customerenters a branch. For example, an application running on user device 110may allow FSP device 120 to detect user device 110 through, for example,Bluetooth™ low energy (LE), or other suitable detection means. A branchlocation may have a detection unit configured to detect the presence ofuser device 110 and transmit information relating to the particular userdevice 110 to FSP device 120.

At step 1120, FSP device 120 may identify a customer account associatedwith the transaction. FSP device 120 may identify the customer accountby locating the matching customer account based on the detected userdevice 110. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile application onuser device 110 may require the user to log into a user account. If theuser is logged into a user account on the mobile application, userdevice 110 may automatically transmit the necessary information to FSPdevice 120 in order for FSP device to identify the correspondingcustomer account.

At step 1130, FSP device 120 may receive preliminary authenticationdata, as discussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120(or alternatively biometric database 130) may determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 1250). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, the usermay be pre-authenticated. For example, once a user is pre-authenticated,the teller may be notified that the user has been pre-authenticated.This may prevent the user from having to present identificationcredentials to the teller. For example, if the user is waiting in aqueue for a teller, he or she may be able to be pre-authenticated inorder to save time when they reach the front of the queue.

Once a user reaches the front of the queue, FSP device 120 may determinea transaction type. (step 1140). For example, a user may indicate thetype of transaction they wish to accomplish by informing the teller. Theteller may then enter this information, for example, into FSP device120, or into a device communicatively connected to FSP device 120, whichmay transmit the transaction data to FSP device 120.

FSP device 120 may determine an authentication tier level for thetransaction (step 1150). For example, higher risk transactions such ascashing high value checks, making high value withdrawals, or changingPIN numbers may require a higher authentication tier. The teller maythen prompt the user to provide additional authentication data (step1160). For example, the user may provide authentication data directly tothe teller. Additionally or alternatively, a user may enter additionalauthentication data through user device 110 as described in detail withrespect to FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 may receive authenticationdata, as discussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120(or alternatively biometric database 130) may determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier. FSP device 120 (orbiometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the customeridentification data matches the authentication data, FSP device 120 mayindicate to the teller that the transaction has been authenticated(steps not shown in figures).

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary authentication process 1200, consistent withdisclosed embodiments, as implemented in a check cashing transaction.Process 1200 may be performed by processor 210 of, for example, FSPdevice 120 executing instructions encoded on a computer-readable mediumstorage device. It is to be understood, however, that one or more stepsof process 1200 may be implemented by other components of system 100(shown or not shown), including biometric database 130 and/or userdevice 110.

At step 1210, FSP device 120 may receive transaction data related to acheck cashing transaction. For example, a user may indicate through amobile application installed on user device 110 that he or she wishes tocash a check. Additionally or alternatively, a user may indicate usingan ATM or on at a walk-up teller that he or she wishes to cash ordeposit a check. User device 110 may be configured to execute softwareinstructions that provide interface(s) that enable the user to initiatecheck cashing or depositing transactions. Received transaction data mayinclude the check itself, a photograph of the check that may be taken,for example, through an application operating on user device 110, orother way of identifying the check being cashed or deposited.

At step 1220, FSP device 120 may identify a customer account associatedwith the transaction. FSP device 120 may identify the customer accountby locating the matching customer account based on the transaction data.Additionally or alternatively, the mobile application on user device 110the customer may be using to initiate the transaction may require theuser to log into a user account. If the user is logged into a useraccount on the mobile application, user device 110 may thenautomatically transmit the necessary information to FSP device 120 inorder for FSP device 120 to identify the corresponding customer account.

FSP device 120 may determine an authentication tier level for thetransaction (step 1230). For example, cashing an on-us check may beconsidered a lower risk transaction and may therefore require a lowerauthentication tier. Cashing a check other than an on-us check may, forexample, be considered a higher risk transaction and may requireadditional tiers of authentication. In certain embodiments, cashing ahigh dollar check may also require a higher authentication tier.

At step 1240, FSP device 120 may receive authentication data, asdiscussed in detail with respect FIGS. 3 and 4. FSP device 120 (oralternatively biometric database 130) may determine if the receivedauthentication data matches the customer identification data, andtherefore satisfies the authentication tier (step 1250). FSP device 120(or biometric database 130) may determine if the received authenticationdata matches the customer identification data by conducting a comparisonas discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the receivedauthentication data does not match the stored customer identificationdata, and therefore does not satisfy the authentication tier, (step1250—no), FSP device 120 may deny the transaction (step 1260). Incertain aspects, FSP device 120 may be configured to generate andprovide a message to user device 110 (or some other device) that thepre-authorization was denied. If the received authentication datamatches the customer identification data (step 1250—yes), FSP device 120may then then indicate that the authentication tier is satisfied. If thesatisfied authentication tier corresponds to the determinedauthentication tier level required for the transaction, FSP device 120may then authorize the transaction (step 1270). Authorizing thetransaction may include, for example, depositing the check in the user'saccount and providing them with the requested cash back.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary customer enrollment process 1300, consistentwith disclosed embodiments. Process 1300 may be performed by processor210 of, for example, FSP device 120 executing instructions encoded on acomputer-readable medium storage device. It is to be understood,however, that one or more steps of process 1300 may be implemented byother components of system 100 (shown or not shown), including biometricdatabase 130 and/or user device 110.

At step 1310, FSP device 120 may receive customer information 234. Forexample, when a customer opens an account or enrolling in online ormobile banking functions, he or she may enter customer information 234about themselves. For example, the customer may be prompted to enterstandard questions about themselves (e.g. security questions) andprovide personal information such as, for example, a social securitynumber. FSP device 120 and/or user device 110 may be configured todisplay to the user a prompt to enter this information.

At step 1320, FSP device 120 may prompt a customer to enter biometricdata such as, for example, a facial shot, a voice recording, a fingerprint, a retina or iris scan, and/or a palm vein scan. For example, FSPdevice 120 and/or user device 110 may be configured to display to theuser a prompt to enter biometric data. FSP device 120 may then capturethe biometric data (step 1330). For example, a user may enter this data,for example, through user device 110, or additionally or alternativelydirectly into FSP device 120 or a device communicatively connected toFSP device 120.

At step 1340, FSP device 120 may store the captured biometric data. Forexample, biometric data may be stored in memory 230. Alternatively,biometric database 130 may store the captured biometric data. Forexample, once stored, biometric data may be later accessed by FSP device120 in order to authenticate electronic transactions, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

Additionally or alternatively, process 1300 may be performed immediatelyfollowing a transaction by a user. For example, if a user makes an ATMwithdrawal using an application on mobile device 110, following thetransaction, the application may prompt the user to enroll in thebiometric authentication system. The user may then have the option toperform process 1300 in order to complete enrollment.

The above disclosed embodiments may be implemented to provide processesfor authenticating ATM withdrawals. For example, a user wishing to makea low-value withdrawal may only need to satisfy a first tier ofauthentication, whereas a user wishing to make a high-value withdrawalmay need to satisfy two or more levels of authentication. The number ofauthentication levels required to be satisfied for a particulartransaction may be directly proportional to the value of the withdrawal.

In some examples, some or all of the logic for the above-describedtechniques may be implemented as a computer program or application or asa plug in module or sub component of another application. The describedtechniques may be varied and are not limited to the examples ordescriptions provided. In some examples applications may be developedfor download to mobile communications and computing devices, e.g.,laptops, mobile computers, tablet computers, smart phones, etc., beingmade available for download by the user either directly from the deviceor through a website.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope thereof includes any and all embodiments having equivalentelements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspectsacross various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would beappreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. Forexample, the number and orientation of components shown in the exemplarysystems may be modified. Further, with respect to the exemplary methodsillustrated in the attached drawings, the order and sequence of stepsmay be modified, and steps may be added or deleted.

Thus, the foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limiting to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example,while a financial service provider has been described herein as theentity authenticating transactions, it is to be understood thatconsistent with disclosed embodiments another entity may provide suchservices in conjunction with or separate from a financial serviceprovider.

The claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employedin the claims and not limited to examples described in the presentspecification, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may be modified in anymanner, including by reordering steps and/or inserting or deletingsteps.

Furthermore, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are describedas being associated with data stored in memory and other tangiblecomputer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art willappreciate that these aspects can also be stored on and executed frommany types of tangible computer-readable media, such as secondarystorage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM, or otherforms of RAM or ROM. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are notlimited to the above described examples, but instead is defined by theappended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A financial service provider device forauthenticating electronic transactions, comprising: one or more memorydevices storing instructions; and one or more processors configured toexecute the instructions to perform operations comprising: receivingtransaction data associated with a transaction and with a customer, thetransaction data comprising a customer identifier, identifying acustomer account associated with the customer based on the customeridentifier, determining an authentication tier level associated with thetransaction, the authentication tier level reflecting a level ofauthentication required to authorize the transaction, prompting thecustomer to submit, authentication data associated with the customer,receiving authentication data associated with the customer, determiningwhether the authentication data satisfies the authentication tier levelassociated with the transaction, and authorizing the transaction whenthe authentication data satisfies the authentication tier level.
 23. Thefinancial service provider of claim 22, wherein the authentication tierlevel is associated with a first authentication tier and a secondauthentication tier.
 24. The financial service provider of claim 23,wherein the operations further comprise: prompting the customer toprovide first authentication tier data, a subset of the authenticationdata, associated with the first authentication tier level; receiving thefirst authentication tier data; determining whether the firstauthentication tier data satisfies the first authentication tier level;prompting the customer to provide second authentication tier data, asubset of the authentication data, associated for the secondauthentication tier level; receiving the second authentication tierdata; determining whether the second authentication data satisfies thesecond authentication tier level; and authorizing the transaction basedon whether the first authentication tier data satisfies the firstauthentication tier level and whether the second authentication tierdata satisfies the second authentication tier level.
 25. The financialservice provider device of claim 22, wherein the authentication datacomprises biometric data.
 26. The financial service provider device ofclaim 25, wherein biometric data includes at least one of a fingerprint, voice characteristics, facial characteristics, retinal scancharacteristics, iris characteristics, or heartbeat or pulsecharacteristics.
 27. The financial service provider device of claim 22,wherein the transaction data further includes a transaction amount. 28.The financial service provider device of claim 27, wherein theauthentication tier level associated with the transaction is based atleast in part on the transaction amount.
 29. The financial serviceprovider device of claim 22, wherein the customer account is associatedwith corresponding customer identification data.
 30. The financialservice provider device of claim 29, wherein the operations furthercomprise: comparing the received authentication data with the customeridentification data; determining that the received authentication datamatches the customer identification data; and determining that theauthentication tier level is satisfied.
 31. A computer-implementedmethod for enrolling customers in an authenticating biometric electronicdatabase, comprising: receiving customer information, the customerinformation comprising a customer identifier; prompting the customer tosubmit a biometric identifier; receiving the submitted biometricidentifier; storing the submitted biometric identifier in a biometricelectronic database; associating the submitted biometric identifier withthe customer information; receiving a request and a scanned biometricidentifier from a financial service provider, the request comprising arequest to authenticate a customer identification associated with thecustomer information; and authenticating the customer identification bydetermining whether the received scanned biometric identifier matchesthe stored submitted biometric identifier.
 32. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 31, wherein the customer information comprises accountinformation associated with the financial service provider.
 33. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 32, wherein the customerinformation comprises a customer identifier associated with a customeridentity.
 34. The computer-implemented method of claim 33, wherein thebiometric identifier consists of at least one of a facial image, a voicerecording, a finger print, a retina or iris scan, or a palm vein scan.35. The computer-implemented method of claim 34, wherein: the submittedbiometric identifier comprises a first tier of data and a second tier ofdata, the first tier of data comprising at least one of a facial image,a voice recording, a finger print, a retina or iris scan, or a palm veinscan; and the second tier consists of at least two of the facial shot,the voice recording, the finger print, the retina or iris scan, or thepalm vein scan.
 36. The computer-implemented method of claim 35,wherein, before submission, the biometric identifier and both the firsttier and second tier of data, are captured by a first financial serviceprovider device.
 37. The computer-implemented method of claim 36,wherein the submitted biometric identifier is received through acustomer device, from at least one of the first financial serviceprovider device or a second device communicatively connected to thefirst financial service provider device.
 38. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 37, wherein receiving the request from the financialservice provider to authenticate comprises a request to authenticate anelectronic transaction associated with the customer account information.39. The computer-implemented method of claim 38, wherein authenticatingincludes authenticating the customer identity by further comparing theelectronic transaction with the received scanned biometric identifier,the stored submitted biometric identifier, and the customer accountinformation.
 40. The computer-implemented method of claim 39, whereinthe received electronic transaction request further comprises a requestfor authentication based on one of the first tier data only or the firstand second tier data.
 41. A financial service provider database forauthenticating electronic transactions, comprising: one or more memorydevices storing instructions; and one or more processors configured toexecute the instructions to perform operations comprising: receivingcustomer information, the customer information comprising a customeridentifier; prompting the customer to submit a biometric identifier;receiving the submitted biometric identifier; storing the submittedbiometric identifier; associating the submitted biometric identifierwith the customer information; receiving a request and a scannedbiometric identifier from a financial service provider, the requestcomprising a request to authenticate a customer identificationassociated with the customer information; and authenticating thecustomer identification if the received scanned biometric identifiermatches the stored submitted biometric identifier.